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As you may or may not know, Lexington held it's first gay pride festival this past weekend to a surprisingly large crowd of over a thousand people. Many had their doubts that such an event would ever grace the streets of main street without a torrent of backlash or that it would be so well attended by the likes of so many in the area that are rarely apt to appear at or participate in community events such as this. Drag Queens danced and performed right on the old courthouse steps to the delight of all that watched. Artwork from local artists stood up for silent auction. Old friends greeted each other with hugs and warm wishes over afternoon cocktails. Gifts and literature and acceptance abounded; and all the while I didn't have even the slightest inkling of fear or embarrassment about who I was, where I was at, who I was with, or what any of that meant to anybody else. At least for a moment in the heart of central Kentucky, it was ok to be gay, and that's saying something.
It would seem that in this very conservative, mid-western part of our world, we have made a little progress in the area of acceptance. Not once did I see anyone on the outskirts jeering or voicing any disapproval. I spent most of the day out in the beautiful sun that graced the park instead of the torrential rain that had been forecast for the bulk of the day. Perhaps someone was looking out for us. Nothing was going to stop us today. Politicians gave speeches, children ate hot dogs and drank sodas, men and women everywhere sported shirts with rainbows across the front and bracelets proclaiming, we are family. I even saw several booths sell out completely of the souvenirs of the day. Everywhere, it seemed, all was good, it was a great day for a little pride.
Thank you Lexington, for a wonderful afternoon.
The first annual Lexington pride festival was held at Cheapside Park in Lexington, Kentucky on June 28, 2008.
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2 comments:
As one of the many organizers of Lexington's first Pride Festival, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for your kind words regarding the event and a HUGE thank you for attending. It would not have been the success it was (and it WAS A SUCCESS) had people such as yourself not attended. It was a glorious day for the GLBT community and Lexington as a whole. Planning for next year's Pride begins in August! All are welcome!
I agree with you, it was definately a success, and I thank you for taking the time to respond. Every single solitary person makes a difference simply by attending. In that way, were are all important to the overall community.
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